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Both valves in each disconnect pair are opened to permit propellant flow between the orbiter and the external tank.

The closure of both valves in each disconnect pair prevents propellant discharge from the external tank or orbiter at external tank separation.

Inadvertent closure of either valve in a 17-inch disconnect during main engine thrusting would stop propellant flow from the external tank to all three main engines.

All aspects of the existing SRM were assessed, and design changes were required in the field joint, case-to-nozzle joint, nozzle, factory joint, propellant grain shape, ignition system and ground support equipment.

No changes were made in the propellant, liner or castable inhibitor formulations.

Flight-configuration aft and center segments were fabricated, loaded with live propellant, and used for assembly test article stacking demonstration tests at Kennedy Space Center.

In a long-term stack test, a full-scale casting segment, with live propellant, has been mated vertically with a J-seal insulation segment and is undergoing temperature cycling.

booster

booster

A Russian booster rocket will launch the first Algerian satellite into orbit.

It costs $6.5 million to refurbish one recovered booster rocket and refuel it for a subsequent flight, NASA said.

The final test of the planned intercept of a long-range ballistic missile target over a Pacific Ocean test range involving the use of the interceptor's surrogate booster rocket could not be completed when the interceptor and the booster failed to separate, the Defense Department announced December 11.

"The United States aerospace industry plays a major role in our national defense, economic growth, scientific advancement, and quality of life. The Commission on the Future of the United States Aerospace Industry studies the issues associated with the future of the industry in the global economy and assesses the future importance of the U.S. aerospace industry for U.S. economic and national security. The Commission's findings and recommendations to the President and the Congress will greatly assist in the development of policies to support a robust U.S. aerospace industry for the twenty-first century. The country owes a debt of gratitude to Chairman Bob Walker and the Members of the Commission for their service to the country in this important endeavor."

Man-made vehicles have entered interplanetary regions outside the Earth's atmosphere. Since 1961 people have been traveling alone or in crews in vehicles through outer space. A whole new terminology, or system of names, therefore, has been devised to describe the technology and science of all space beyond the Earth's surface. Aerospace is such a word.